“While there are fewer Myndiri ruins on Verona, those that have been unearthed so far suggest that there lay a complex series of underground cities that span the whole island. What little is mapped out so far is only possible due to the teams of pathfinders operating under contract by various noble lords of Verona. ”
- Xenith Azhutil, Veronan Pathfinder, “Lost Ruins of Verona: Legends of the Arneathians”
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Sophie didn’t know what she felt standing beside the Traxian princess. It was an odd mixture of trepidation and fascination, all rolling about for dominance within her. They stood alongside Lucinia’s mercenaries at the port of Arteria. Buffeted by the unfortunate combination of winter winds and the chilly sea breeze, she was thankful that Lucinia at least allowed her the courtesy of wearing an overcoat over her uniform.
Despite the attack near the Braveskull headquarters about a month ago and the impact of the mana bomb still visible in the scars and husks of yet unrepaired shacks. The port was already back in full swing. Countless travelers, merchants, sailors, and dockworkers bustled about the place this morning. Their routines have returned as a result of the city’s desire to keep the commerce flowing through its bloated veins no matter what.
Dozens of ships unloaded their goods quickly enough, picking up cargo in return before undocking to continue their voyage across the rest of Cyndralia. Even more came in as the seconds ticked by, the never ending flow of goods still proving to be a potent demonstration of the city’s strength in Sophie’s eyes.
A sniffle escaped from the princess’s nose and Sophie found herself amused at how oddly human the Traxian was now that she was standing beside her. Behind the regal outfit and overly pompous attitude that she usually carried herself with, Lucinia was still just another person. A princess who was soon to not be, but one who had to brave the elements just like herself. It was a curious observation, and one that Sophie didn’t really know what to do with. Still, she reasoned that if one could ignore the arrogance and vitriol in some of the Traxian’s occasional word choice, There was a kind person underneath. At least I hope so.
Her eyes returned to the sea. The vast blue expanse interrupted by the mass of vessels that drafted just outside of Arteria’s pierces, each waiting their turn. Scanning the ships, she caught sight of one in particular. Its sides had been recently repainted, the hull a little scuffed from whatever it encountered at sea. But there was no mistaking the lion figurehead displaying itself proudly to the world.
They had come as a group to serve as guides and guards for the Traxian minister and his entourage. A veiled carriage already prepared by Lucinia to ensure that the delegation drew as little attention as possible when traversing the city streets. Sophie doubted that’d be possible given the sheer mass of people around the docks, much less the almost company sized redcloak and bluecloak units patrolling the area.
She tilted her head to glance at Lady Lucinia. Surely she anticipated this? That the guards presence would remain heavy for a while. Perhaps this conference will only be a short event then? I can’t imagine all of the guards turning a blind eye. The Traxians will surely get noticed and reported to the council sooner rather than later.
Beside them, one of the mercenaries tapped Sophie on the shoulder and pointed at the ship. The two half plate wearing soldiers had been privately hired by the princess herself. They looked nothing like those operating from the mercenaries guild. But they acted professional enough and she was comforted by that fact. She nodded at the man and motioned for Lucinia’s attention, the princess replying with a soft grunt of affirmation.
She felt the anxiety within her rise as the ship docked. The first people to welcome it were dock officials who boarded the vessel to speak with the owner. Based on how they simply dispersed alongside their guards however, Sophie suspected that they had been presented with information about the minister in secret, or that they had very recently had their compliance bought. It worried her what that would mean should war truly reach Arteria. They’ll most certainly try to send infiltrators, and they wouldn’t even need to try very hard.
Following the dock officials, a squad of poorly disguised imperial soldiers marched out, forming a small formation around a more traditionally clad noble. The minister, I presume. A few other less important functionaries followed the initial posse, finished off with another pair of troopers. That’s quite a few soldiers, we’re already outnumbered, discounting anyone they keep outside. Damn.
Sophie saw a few port patrol troopers grow wary at the overly militaristic group that had recently arrived. They seemed to already suspect that something was fishy with the far more ornate vessel than most of the other commercial ships in the port. Having sensed a potential issue, Lucinia motioned for the party to make themselves known. The four of them made deliberate headway for the imperial contingent while Lady Olivia remained behind to watch the carriage.
Someone from either side managed to make contact and with a few hushed words, the imperial contingent directed themselves towards the party. No words were exchanged from either party but Lucinia’s gestures ushered the imperial group towards her, the princess adopting a far more commanding demeanor in front of her kinsmen.
When the groups met there was a flare up of tension, the mercenaries getting nervous at facing the imperial soldiers. Those troopers in turn, gripping their weapons and scabbards, ready to defend their charges against the mercenaries. Pushing past them, a man dressed in a black and gold doublet and pants walked in front of them. He had a well groomed beard and carried himself with the aura befitting of a noble. Head held high, a permeant sneer as if he was offended by the unwashed masses around him, the gaze of someone constantly searching for weaknesses and things to exploit.
Lucinia however, was unfazed. The princess met his deriding gaze with a scowl of her own. Instead of exchanging greetings, she just pointed to the carriage, the man giving a dissatisfied grunt in response.
“Two functionaries. Lady Amata and the maid will be mine.” Lucinia stated plainly.
The man turned to a subordinate and whispered some commands, one of the soldiers relaying his message to the others. Two well dressed staffers in robes made their way out from the soldiers, offering the errant princess her first sign of respect when they dipped their heads in acknowledgement.
Lucinia rudely snapped her fingers at Sophie to follow and turned on her heel to head to the carriage.
Arriving at the carriage, Olivia perked up briefly at Lucinia’s return before quickly bowing at the minister. The minister offered a small nod of his own. Damn, he barely even acknowledged Lucinia. Is their relationship that bad?
Boarding the carriage, the six of them sat opposite each other. Outside, the soldiers and mercenaries spread out around the transport, ensuring that they could make it to their appointed meeting place in good order.
One of the functionaries studied her curiously, the man looking like a fish out of water as she felt him burning a hole where her ears were. It made her a little uncomfortable but she endured it. It was more bearable than trying to comprehend the hostile glares shared between the minister and the princess. There felt like an unspoken agreement of sorts, that whatever insults or discussion the two would have were reserved purely for the conference. Both holding their cards close to their chest.
Once or twice did Sophie feel the weight of the minister’s harsh glare land upon her. The old official scrutinized her in the same vein a head maid would examine a recently cleaned desk, noting each little imperfection and flaw within the facade while he judged her. The feelings of discomfort only continued to ramp up, though thankfully vestigial memories of her maid training kicked in and she was able to stop herself from shuffling awkwardly in an attempt to throw off the gaze.
The silence lasted until they reached Scholar’s Rest. Each member of the carriage pointedly tried to avoid glancing at the other in an effort to maintain the peace. Only Lucinia and the minister seemed beyond this, the two more than willing to trade sharp glances of disdain for the other. To Sophie’s relief, the jolt of the carriage to signal its arrival meant an end to the intense silence, Lucinia’s party disembarking first followed by the minister’s.
The guard detail around the carriage immediately fanned out to protect their respective groups. The presence of such a large number of armed individuals made the Academy guardians nearby uneasy as the plate armoured warriors watched the procession carefully.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
Mila and Hanabi waved the group towards the inn, the soldiers and mercenaries ushering the group inside with haste.
“Good luck, try to keep the trouble at bay.” Mila patted Sophie’s arm.
Sophie nodded, “I’ll try.”
Hanabi just flashed a thumbs up. A gesture that seemed to calm the nearby guardians as they could see some form of civility amongst the group. Sophie chuckled at the silly gesture and flashed the ex-saintess her own thumbs up.
A side dining hall of Scholar’s Rest had been cleared out for the event, the ornate and wooden hall offering a somber backdrop for the day’s events. Within it, the other members of Lucinia’s delegation waited, the dwarves, Miraevie and her guard, and Taurox’s imposing form were waiting. The minotaur being the only one who gave the arriving imperials a moment of pause. Behind him, the dwarven representative Tharnus leaned against a wall, observing the hall.
Some food and drink had been laid out that the others were already helping themselves too. While entertainment was being provided in the form of music and dance. Sophie smiled at Elaria who managed to sneak a cheeky smile in return as she strummed her lute. Raylani was performing a dangerously seductive dance, though Sophie noticed how she kept herself close to a chair with a bundle upon it. Weapons, probably.
With the arrival of the others, those in the room took up seats near a long table. This prompted Lucinia to motion at one end of the table for the minister and his party, the man giving off a disinterested grunt to show his acknowledgment. Olivia did her duty and prepared Lucinia’s own seat before glancing at Sophie to signal her to begin service.
Sucking in a deep breath, she composed herself and embodied a part of herself that she had avoided for a while. Calmly, she moved towards the table with food and drink, setting out a few plates and generously portioning them while also taking the time to fill out a variety of refreshments. To her luck, the tavern’s staff had followed Lady Olivia’s instructions and had left a spare serving tray for her, allowing her to carefully arrange the different items.
Passing by the allied faction’s side of the table, she found Miraevie trying to suppress a snarky smirk at the sight of her delivering food and refreshments. Sophie wanted to respond by sticking her tongue out but held it back in, instead continuing with her duties and approaching the Traxian side of the table. Two imperial soldiers watched her warily, not blocking her approach but making sure she understood that her every move was being monitored.
With practiced movements, she quietly deposited the first set of food and drink in front of the closest Traxian official.
“Thank you.” The imperial acknowledged her in a derisive tone.
Sophie ignored his rudeness and approached the next in line, the minister.
“Curious company you keep nowadays, Princess Trax.” His low growl boomed across the call, cutting off any chattering or whispers.
Despite his veiled jab at Sophie’s presence, he still nodded as a noble would to a lowly servant. He views me as a trifle, nothing more. Good, it’ll be easier to listen in.
“And I wonder why father sent you to relieve me of my duty, Minister Bellus? Could’ve done the same with a letter.” Lucinia wasted no time barking back.
Sophie moved towards the third official, this Traxian dismissed her brusquely. Merely acknowledging her with a wave of his hand. Next to his silverware however, was a notebook. The minister’s scribe, to record everything, likely.
“That’s Minister Octavian to you, young lady. We are here on official business after all. And to answer your question, out of royal courtesy to you, though mostly for your brother Carus’s sake so that he can walk away from you knowing that proper procedures and official notice has been given and served.” The minister stated off-handedly.
“I’ve always been his favorite.” Lucinia unabashedly admitted.
Olivia seemed a little bothered by this admission, turning to Sophie for help. But she didn’t know what to do, nor anything about Lucinia’s family dynamics. She apologetically bobbed her head at the noble as she now moved to serve Lucinia.
“Thank you, Sophie.” Lucinia smiled at her, the quiet acknowledgement drawing the room’s attention.
“Sophie… Now I see. The adventurer, in such ridiculous garb.” The minister tutted.
She bobbed her head and continued service.
“You’ve heard of her?” Lucinia queried.
“Mmm, reports and news mentioned a troublemaker.”
“She has done quite a lot.” Miraevie muttered.
“As the… elf says, your servant there is quite… infamous.” The minister deliberately stated.
Sophie lowered her eyes, her ears twitching in disappointment. Infamous huh? I guess… I do cause trouble. But it was all for a good cause, wasn’t it?
“Nevermind her, she’s here. She’s helping me. That’s the end of that matter.” Lucinia spoke up, “More importantly, is this not what father wanted?” She motioned to the room around them, “A meeting to demonstrate that Arteria is united? Even for a poor little soul like mine.”
“Yes.I suppose.” The minister answered, a flicker of displeasure crossing his visage before returning to normal, “Still, I dare say you certainly tried. And what about the other representatives, what exactly did she promise you to be here, hmm?” He turned his attention to the others.
Lucinia growled but didn’t answer. Allowing the others to do their own talking. Perhaps hoping that they could placate the minister. Tharnus and Miraevie traded looks, the dwarf and the elf appearing a little miffed that they had to cooperate between the two of them. Tharnus let out a muffled grunt and raised his head towards Miraevie, the elf frowning.
“A favor for a friend, and to gauge the Traxian stance towards the city.” Miraevie answered, “Miraevie Elaester of House Elaester, here to represent the elven quarters.” The girl tactfully bowed.
“Tharnus Oatholder of Kaz Ekran. Much the same as the lass.” The dwarf announced himself.
“Hmm, how curious. Curious indeed.” The minister hummed.
“Spit it out. If you plan to ridicule us.” Lucinia clicked her tongue.
The minister let out a dark chuckle and wagged a finger at her, like an instructor disciplining a misbehaving student.
“No, no. No derision here. I’m surprised you have friends or even managed to negotiate their presence here. Nothing against you for accepting whatever she offered, honored dwarf, honored elf.”
“You…” Lucinia growled.
“Mistress.” Olivia firmly tapped the princess’s shoulder, keeping her anger in check.
“Tch.”
“Arteria stands united, despite our differences.” Miraevie answered, the elf receiving a glare from the princess before an apologetic gesture when Lucinia realized her rudeness.
“By all means, I am surprised, that’s all.” The minister smirked, “She’s a… troublesome advocate for peace who never really considered those who weren’t… shall we say, imperials.”
“People change, Sir Octavian. Even me.” Lucinia interjected, “Your disdain about me doesn’t change the fact that I can act on my own accord.”
“Evidently.”
“Just because I rejected your son’s proposal-”
“You overestimate your own importance, princess.” The minister’s voice lowered, “I’m here for two reasons, nothing more, nothing less. And certainly not to merely argue with you. First, here.” He snapped his fingers.
By his side, one of the officials presented a sealed letter to the minister. The minister broke the seal and stared into Lucinia’s eyes, his glare making the headstrong princess wince and retreat a little.
“By order of his august Imperial majesty, emperor of Traxia, king of the forlorn reaches, most serene of his name, defender of mankind, second of his house, Emperor Antonius Domitius Trax. I, First Minister Bellus Octavian, announce that as of the 26th of Morus of the year of the sovereign star. Princess Lucinia Gaius Trax, sixth princess of the imperial Traxian dynasty, is hereby removed from the line of succession. And, effective immediately, to be disinherited from any claims or titles that they might hold or will hold. To also have any current titles assigned be revoked. In due process to also be henceforth considered as not, a member of the august House of Trax. Effective one week from this pronouncement, all funding and state support for said individual is to also cease.” Minister Octavian read out loud.
Sophie glanced at Lucinia and could tell that the princess was putting on a brave face. But just underneath the table the girl’s hands were trembling, constantly clenching and unclenching as well. This is hitting her harder than expected, I guess.
“Honor to Traxia.” One of the officials spoke.
“Honor to Traxia.” The minister and another official echoed.
Lucinia didn’t reply, the girl remaining silent as she pondered her words. Only when Olivia nudged her did life seem to return. Lucinia mouthed a soft ‘sorry’ at her attendant as she pulled out her own sealed letter and pushed it across the table.
“For my part. I accept that verdict. And I wish to say that Lady Olivia Amata has performed her functions dutifully and with exceptional skill. However, she is a Traxian through and through and thus I relieve her of her service to me.” The former princess announced.
“Your statement is heard.” The minister acknowledged as an official recorded it, “Lady Amata, is her statement accurate?”
The attendant froze, instead of looking forward, Olivia stared down at the table. She didn’t move for a few moments, her eyes trying to refocus to no avail. Under the table, Sophie saw a strange sight, the princess showed a more tender side of herself, grabbing Olivia’s hands with her own trembling ones before pulling her in to whisper something. Whatever was said, Sophie couldn’t hear. Only that upon her face, the last embers of defiance were put to rest.